A Penn State-led project in the Gulf of Mexico has been recognized for its diverse partnerships and groundbreaking discoveries, including new coral communities and marine archaeological finds. The research aims to protect deep-water corals and other hard-bottom communities in the northern Gulf of Mexico.
Researchers found that dark chocolate fans have a higher tolerance to bitter tastes than milk chocolate fans. The study used rejection thresholds to test food acceptability and could lead to cost-savings for the industry by identifying product rejection levels.
Fungi found in plants stimulate decomposition rates of organic materials when exposed to higher carbon dioxide levels, limiting soil's ability to store extra carbon. This can lead to higher greenhouse gas emissions and reduced capacity to mitigate climate change.
The iFAB Foundry aims to revolutionize the design and building process for complex defense systems by shortening development time by a factor of five. The project will provide near-instantaneous manufacturability feedback to designers, enabling flexible and programmable distributed production.
Scientists investigate the genetic differences between East Asians and Europeans to understand why East Asians have lighter skin but lower skin cancer rates. The study focuses on the Senoi indigenous tribe in Peninsular Malaysia, which is believed to include a mix of African and Asian ancestry.
A study led by Iliana Baums found that coral larvae are unable to traverse the Eastern Pacific Barrier, corroborating Charles Darwin's 1880 prediction. The research has significant implications for climate-change research, species-preservation efforts, and economic stability in the eastern Pacific region.
Researchers analyzed seismic activity in Antarctica's David Glacier and found repeating earthquakes every 25 minutes for a year. This study sheds light on stick slip earthquakes and provides a model for understanding ice sheet flow.
A study by Penn State researchers found that teens continue to spend time with their parents, contrary to the stereotype that they grow apart. Shared time with fathers has a positive impact on adolescents' social skills and self-esteem.
Researchers will survey producers and interview key stakeholders in 15 cities to examine trends in urban farming. Urban agriculture's diversity in production methods and its potential impact on community development and access to healthy food are also being studied.
Astronomers have discovered evidence of a planet's destruction by its aging star, BD+48 740. The star's peculiar chemical composition and highly unusual elliptical orbit suggest that it consumed a massive planet, leaving behind a surviving massive planet with an eccentric orbit.
The National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute (NAMII) is a new public-private partnership aiming to revitalize American manufacturing. The consortium, led by Penn State, will receive $30 million in federal funding and create an environment for education and training in advanced additive manufacturing skills.
Researchers suggest that the Tibetan Plateau's growth of high topography began around 30 million years ago, contrary to previously held beliefs. This new finding was made possible by analyzing samples from the eastern edge of the plateau using various geological methods.
Researchers found that continuous oral contraceptive pills provide earlier relief for moderate to severe menstrual cramps, reducing symptoms by up to six months. Women taking the continuous treatment reported significant pain relief due to uninterrupted treatment, outperforming cyclic treatment in terms of pain relief timing.
A study of 89 million Americans found that 23 million experienced multiple gaps in coverage, while those with gaps suffered as well as those who remained insured. The researchers highlight the need for stable and affordable insurance to minimize uninsured gaps.
Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine found that mini-courses on humanities topics can sharpen critical thinking skills and improve job satisfaction among physicians. The courses provided an opportunity for intellectual and social 'play,' fostering workplace satisfaction and creative, innovative thinking.
A new method involves molecularly engineering a model synapse to precisely control GABA receptors, which is crucial in brain chemistry. Understanding how these receptors work can lead to creating safer drugs with fewer side effects for disorders like epilepsy and anxiety.
Research found that 69% of overweight Chinese children underestimated their own weight, while 72% of mothers rated their children as normal or underweight. This highlights the importance of accurate perceptions of weight in preventing childhood obesity.
Researchers at Penn State University found that immunization with a particular type of malaria vaccine can create conditions for the evolution of more severe disease-causing parasites. These parasites evolved in response to vaccination, but the exact mechanism is still unknown.
Frequent texting in techspeak may hinder a tween's ability to switch between proper grammar and shortcuts. Research found that students who frequently used text adaptations performed poorly on grammar tests, regardless of their age or grade level.
Researchers create microbial factories to transform clean electricity from solar, wind, or nuclear power into renewable methane fuel. This approach could eliminate the need for fossil resources and produce eco-friendly alternatives like ethanol.
A new DNA study provides clues about the species' evolution, suggesting that climate change and genetic exchange with brown bears helped create the polar bear as we know it today. The research found evidence of fluctuating population sizes over the past million years, growing during cooling periods and shrinking in warmer times.
Researchers have unraveled the mystery of a unique virus-coping mechanism, revealing a crucial role for motif D in accurately replicating genetic material. This discovery holds promise for improving existing vaccines and designing new ones against RNA viruses that eluded vaccination strategies.
A study by Penn State researchers has found that exposure to violence among adolescents can have lasting physical stress response effects up to a year after the exposure. Cortisol levels were found to be lower in males with higher exposure to violence, suggesting an evolutionary adaptation to suppress cortisol levels.
Researchers used tree ring data from the US Pacific Northwest and oxygen isotope analysis of lake sediments to clarify ancient climate regimes. The study suggests that drought patterns in the American West may have varied across different regions, with some areas experiencing wetter winters than expected.
Bioengineers and biochemists at Penn State developed acoustic tweezers that can manipulate living materials like blood cells and small organisms using sound waves. The device can precisely trap and move cellular-scale objects essential for fundamental biomedical research, offering a cost-effective alternative to optical tweezers.
A study of 92 menopausal women found that regular physical activity can lead to a decrease in hot flash symptoms. The researchers used objective and subjective methods to track the frequency of hot flashes, finding that exercising actually reduced symptoms in most participants, contradicting previous assumptions.
A previously unappreciated open star cluster, Ruprecht 147, has been found to be an important tool in understanding stellar astrophysics and the search for Earth-like planets. The cluster is close to Earth and contains stars similar in mass and age to the Sun, making it a valuable laboratory for studying bright stars.
Researchers created a website called AchieveTogether to study the effectiveness of positive deviance in weight loss. Users lost about 4.5 pounds more weight than those without access to the site. The study suggests that online weight loss programs featuring successful dieters may be an effective strategy for weight loss.
Richard Alley, a renowned geoscientist, has been recognized by the US News STEM Leadership Hall of Fame for his groundbreaking work in the field. He will receive the award on June 29 at U.S. News STEM Solutions 2012 in Dallas, Texas.
Research found that blogging positively impacts new mothers' well-being by increasing feelings of social support, marital satisfaction, and reducing parenting stress. Blogging provides an outlet for stay-at-home moms to connect with family and friends, showcasing their hobbies and accomplishments.
Researchers analyzed fossilized primate skulls and CT scans of living primates to determine how extinct animals moved, focusing on the bony labyrinth of the inner ear. The study found that ancient primates were relatively agile, with some species moving faster than their Old World ancestors.
Researchers at Penn State found that social marketing campaigns could motivate farmers to install rollover protective structures on older-model tractors, reducing deaths in tractor-rollover accidents. Offering rebates and highlighting child safety concerns were key motivators for farmers.
Infant mortality rates remain high in Appalachia, with white infants facing disproportionately higher deaths compared to non-Appalachian regions. Poverty and limited access to physicians contribute to the deficit, emphasizing the need for improved prenatal care and healthcare policies.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a biochip-based device that can rapidly screen cells for leukemia or HIV. The device uses microfluidic drifting technology to focus particles or cells in a single stream, eliminating the need for bulky lenses and mirrors, and potentially reducing costs to $1,000 from current prices of $100,000.
A team of scientists has developed a new strategy to reactivate genes that cause cancer tumors to shrink and die. The researchers found that inhibiting the PAD4 enzyme can effectively target unhealthy, cancerous tissue without damaging healthy tissues.
Rural residents may face a digital divide due to the increasing adoption of technology that replaces copper lines with faster, cheaper, and more convenient alternatives. While cellular phones offer an affordable option, most cell phone companies charge per minute, and service can be unreliable.
A Penn State study found that 57.6% of patients prescribed antipsychotic medications in 2003 did not have schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, highlighting potential savings through reduced off-label use. The study suggests that Medicaid programs may benefit from reducing non-FDA-approved use of these medications.
Despite federal recommendations for four hours of physical activity per week, Americans spend only about two hours engaging in sports and fitness activities. The most prevalent activity is dedicated walking, with teenagers spending seven times more time playing basketball than older adults.
Researchers found that high biodiversity regions are linguistically diverse, with 3,202 languages spoken in 35 hotspots and 1,622 in five wilderness areas. Linguistic loss threatens biodiversity as well, with up to 90% of languages disappearing by the end of the 21st century.
A study by Penn State researchers found that users increase their interactivity and develop a greater sense of community when they can express themselves through blog posts, site customization, and gadget selection. However, too many functional gadgets lead to decreased satisfaction.
The Center for Sport Concussion Research and Service at Penn State aims to advance concussion research and provide baseline assessments for local collegiate and child athletes. Virtual-reality technology is being used to study the cognitive and motor effects of concussions on athletes.
A new systematic assessment helps diagnose malnutrition in patients with chronic diseases and acute injuries, considering inflammation status. The approach aims to guide practitioners in selecting nutrition interventions and predicting outcomes.
A hyperparasitic fungus has been found to effectively combat the zombie-ant fungus, limiting its spread and survival. The research model shows that only about 6.5% of spore-producing organs were viable, suggesting a smaller threat to ant colonies.
A new study by Penn State researchers reveals that parenting behaviors and adolescents' substance-use behaviors are significantly correlated. Higher levels of parental knowledge and disciplinary consistency lead to a lower likelihood of substance use, while inconsistent parents and aware peers can increase the risk of substance use.
Researchers at Penn State developed a process to spin starch into fine strands for use in bandages and other medical dressings. The biodegradable bandages would degrade into glucose, eliminating the need for painful removal.
A recent study has identified 24 new species of skinks, a type of lizard, on Caribbean islands. The newly discovered species are threatened with extinction due to the introduction of invasive mongooses that have been responsible for their decline.
Scientists at Penn State's Arecibo Observatory have discovered flaring radio emission from an ultra-cool star, shattering the previous record for lowest stellar temperature at which radio waves were detected. The star, named J1047+21, is a brown dwarf with a surface temperature not much higher than that of a giant planet.
Jainendra K. Jain, James F. Kasting, and Bruce E. Logan recognized for their nationally renowned work in physics, geosciences, and environmental engineering, as well as exceptional teaching and leadership skills. The Evan Pugh Professorships are the highest honor Penn State bestows on its faculty.
Researchers found a link between bingeing on fat and cocaine-seeking behavior in rats, indicating that conditions promoting excessive behavior towards one substance can increase the probability of excessive behavior towards another. This study may shed light on the factors that promote substance abuse and addiction.
A new study will test a professional development program called CARE for Teachers, which aims to enhance teachers' social and emotional competence. The program provides emotion skills instruction, mindfulness practices, and caring techniques to promote empathy and compassion in the classroom.